Becoming Like Jesus: Scripture MemorizationSample

A Chosen People

As we launch into the second half of this Plan, we are going to jump to a passage found in 1 Peter. In this letter, Peter is writing to Christians spread throughout the Roman Empire to remind them they are chosen by God, loved by Jesus, and called to showcase a way of life radically different from the people around them.

Peter’s audience, much like us today, found themselves in a culture whose values and practices were strongly opposed to the values and practices of God’s kingdom. They had to work hard to stay centered on who Jesus said they were and what He’d asked them to do, just like we do. Because, just like us, they were constantly bombarded by messages telling them to trust in money, power, fame, and themselves.

But, as a people chosen by God, we have a different calling. A calling to live our entire lives devoted to God and directed by His love. Our priorities are determined by His priorities. Our practices are based on His practices. Our identity is wrapped up in His identity.

So, who are you? Let’s jump in and find out.

Pray ...

Father, thank You for choosing me to be a part of Your family. You did it because You love me and You want a relationship with me. Jesus, without You I would be so lost, but You found me in the darkness and brought me home. Holy Spirit, give me the faith to trust what Your Word says about me and to live faithful to the calling I’ve been given. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Read ...

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.1 Peter 2:9-10 NIV

Consider ...

God chose you. Don’t rush past that. Let those words sink in. God chose you because He wanted you. The Lord of Heaven is infinitely interested in you. So much so that He went to the greatest lengths imaginable to bring you home. He walked out of heaven and into history to save you from the curse of sin and invite you into His kingdom.

God called you. And it certainly wasn’t an accident. He didn’t type in the wrong number, knock on the wrong door, or message the wrong person. He called you because He wanted to—and He doesn’t make mistakes. No matter how many times we mess up, He will keep showing us mercy.

God didn’t choose you and call you because you earned it. It’s not because you’re better, smarter, stronger, more popular, more spiritual, or more anything than anyone. God chose you and called you because He is merciful, holy, and gracious.

So, what now? Do we just sit around like a trophy on a shelf collecting dust? Not even close. Now, we join in on what God is already doing in the world. How? By declaring the praises of the One who brought us out of darkness and into the light. We lean into our identity as people chosen by God. We make it abundantly clear to everyone that at one time we were wanderers searching for a place to call home, but now we belong to God; that once we were a mess of our own making, but now, because of God’s mercy, we are a masterpiece unfolding.

Practice ...

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.1 Peter 2:9-10 NIV

Take some time today and grab a journal, piece of paper, or a note card and write down today's verse. After you write it down, say it out loud a few times to help internalize it.

If you’re using an app or another memorization method, keep doing what works for you! The point isn’t to follow a particular style of memorizing Scripture, but to accomplish the goal of getting the truth of God’s word buried deep in our hearts.

Listen ...

As we close out our time today, we are going to create space to experience the presence of God in a different way, through a practice known as Silence and Solitude.

Start by setting a timer for 5–10 minutes.

Then, create space in your mind and heart to hear from God. Lead into your listening by using those verses from 1 Peter as a prayer:

God, thank You for choosing me to be Yours. Because of Your relentless grace, You have made me a member of Your priesthood, a citizen of Your holy nation, and Your own special possession. Once I was trapped in darkness, but You have called me into Your wonderful light. So I’m going to declare Your praises to anyone and everyone who will listen. Once, I was lost and alone. But now, I am a part of Your family. Once, I was a mess of my own making, but now I am made new by Your mercy. Today, I commit to serving You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Next, ask God to speak to you. And then, simply listen.

When you get distracted, come back to Jesus by reading the verses or repeating the prayer above. Say them out loud. Focus on each line and let the truth you are learning redirect your thoughts.